GAME Session Walkthrough

Gaming with assistive technology is a personal journey. There is no one-size-fits-all solution; instead, these best practices serve as a roadmap based on Makers Making Change’s experience working with partners such as the Stan Cassidy Centre for Rehabilitation. This is intended to help a clinician, family member, or player think through trialing adaptive gaming equipment.

The Gaming Session

Trialing adaptive gear before purchase is important for finding a setup that works. While every center operates differently, the following framework provides a flexible guide.

The Gaming Session - Overview

General Session Breakdown

GAME Session Step	Why	Tool/Resource
1. Before	Gather user information and prepare initial solutions	Gamer Questionnaire
2. During	Test and adjust equipment and settings	Equipment Sections
3. Assess	Evaluate outcomes and determine next steps	Equipment Sections
4. Finalize	Document and support setup acquisition	Support Options

These Steps are Flexible.

Customize this workflow based on your resources and goals.

1. GAME Session - Before

The Gaming Session - Before

Question: Has a clear gamer goal been identified?

If Yes

Focus the session on that goal (specific game, activity, or experience).

If No

Ask what games or genres interest them
Ask if they have played before
Ask what they want to achieve

If unsure, start with a simple, low-input game.

Question: Is the preferred gaming system known and available?

If Yes

Use their preferred or most-used system.

If No

Ask what system they want to use
Consider where their friends play
Consider types of games

If unavailable:

Try a similar system
Use adapters where possible
Choose the best available system for the trial

Question: Has an appropriate trial game been selected?

If Yes

Matches their goal or genre
Has manageable input requirements
Has a low-stress entry point (tutorial, freeplay)

If No

Match the genre or goal game
Start with fewer inputs if needed
Choose slower-paced or simpler games

If needed:

Start simple and progress toward the goal game

Question: Has an appropriate controller or access method been selected?

If Yes

Standard or modified controllers
Switch interface setups
Alternative inputs (e.g., mouth joystick)

If No

Try a standard controller to assess barriers
Try a switch interface if needed
Consider mounting or alternative layouts

Question: Is the setup prepared and stable?

If Yes

Equipment is available
Game is ready to launch
Mounting solutions are stable

If No

Prepare mounts (RAM, trays, Velcro)
Gather controllers and adapters
Check game updates and starting point

Intial Game Selection

You do not have to start with their gaming goal game
Try a low risk situation to make sure everything works
We often use the game Brawlhalla under training mode. Only requires one joystick and a few buttons, free, and fun!
If there is a large gap between the user’s current gaming abilities or number of inputs they can access, and the number of inputs that their goal game will require consider starting not with their gaming goal game.

2. GAME Session - During

The Gaming Session - During

Question: Can the user begin interacting with the game?

If Yes

Move into gameplay and observe performance.

If No

Identify the issue:

Navigation difficulty
Physical access issue

Adjust:

Button mapping
Positioning
Provide guidance if needed

Question: Are barriers present during gameplay?

If Yes

Game-related barriers:

Adjust difficulty or settings
Try different modes
Try a different game if needed

Controller-related barriers:

Change layout or mapping
Try different hardware
Adjust switches or joysticks
Consider mounting or alternative inputs

If No

Continue gameplay and confirm consistency

Question: Is the user experiencing fatigue or frustration?

If Yes

Pause the session
Reduce effort required (force, positioning)
Take breaks

If No

Continue while monitoring comfort

Question: Has the setup been documented?

If Yes

Equipment used
Layout and positioning
Game settings

If No

Record what worked and what didn’t
Take photos of setup
Note barriers and solutions

3. GAME Session - Assess

The Gaming Session - Assess

Question: Did the setup meet the gamer’s goal?

If Yes

Move forward with finalizing the setup.

If No

Schedule another session if possible
Identify additional equipment to try
Document remaining barriers

Question: Are additional resources or equipment required?

If Yes

Explore new hardware options
Try different game approaches
Look into external supports

If No

Proceed to finalize

Question: Does the user need external support?

If Yes

Makers Making Change
AbleGamers
Funding options if available

If No

Continue to final setup

4. GAME Session - Finalize

The GAME Session - Finalize

Question: Has a full equipment list been created?

If Yes

Full list of devices
Required accessories
Purchase links if possible

If No

Document all hardware used
Include setup notes
Consider home setup requirements

Question: Does the setup include open-source devices?

If Yes

Submit a request through Makers Making Change
Include device details
Attach notes and photos

If No

Proceed with commercial options

Question: Has the user received all setup information?

If Yes

Confirm understanding of setup
Confirm settings and equipment sourcing

If No

Provide equipment list
Provide setup photos
Provide settings and instructions

Question: Is additional support required?

If Yes

Schedule follow-up session
Provide setup guide with images
Assist with equipment delivery if possible

If No

Ensure the user can independently set up and use the system

Want to learn more about this program or request a device?

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